Clinic hours

We’ve reviewed three in-clinic treatments that promise to tighten and firm sagging skin.

Problem spot: Slackened skin Treatment: Ultraformer

What it is: Ultrasound energy is delivered deep under the skin into the SMAS muscle (the same one doctors tighten during a facelift). The ultrasound stimulates the growth of new collagen over time, strengthening and toning the skin from within to make it look smoother and brighter. It also tightens the neck and chin area.

What to expect: Once your face is marked up with removable pen, a cool gel is smoothed on skin and then a handheld device begins passing over the area.

It’s like a gentle and fleeting snapping sensation. The jaw can feel a little ouch-y, but it passes quickly and deep-breathing helps. The lower-face, chin and neck area take about 30 minutes to treat. There’s no downtime, but the results require patience; they can take up to six months to show up in the mirror. “This is the gold standard for lifting and firming the jawline,” says Jodie King.

“It’s often combined with filler to redefine chins and jawlines.” Cost: From $1500 (includes a top-up treatment after 12 weeks). Get it here: Skin Clinic at Blyss, Randwick.

Problem spot: Double chin Treatment: Coolscultping

What it is: A cryolipolysis machine that essentially freezes unwanted fat cells, which the body then metabolises naturally so the area decreases over time. While this non-invasive treatment is not an immediate fix, the technology has been shown to drastically reduce a fatty chin with no downtime.

What to expect: Once marked up, the under-chin area is sucked into a vacuum-like applicator and the cooling treatment, which lasts 45 minutes, begins. It’s like getting a freezer burn at first, but within minutes the area feels numb. The fat cells are cooled (-11°C to -13°C), but the surface of the skin stays at 4°C due to a protective gel pad.

Once the applicator is removed the technician massages the lump of frozen flesh for two minutes, the truly painful part of the procedure. For some days after, the area feels bruised, the skin numb. “People will begin to notice a visible reduction in the treated area two to six months after the second session,” says Dr Jonathan Hopkirk, global medical director for Laser Clinics Australia. Cost: From $650 per session; two or more sessions recommended. Get it here: Laser Clinics Australia, laserclinics.com.au

Problem spot: Jowls Treatment: Thermage FLX

What it is: A form of thermal resurfacing, the treatment delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermis. It causes the collagen to heat and tighten, and over time (this is where the treatment delivers on the price tag) stimulates more collagen. Thermage FLX can address mild to moderate cases of sagging.

What to expect: On cleansed skin, a temporary grid-tattoo is placed along the lower half of the face. A patch attached to cords is stuck to your back to ensure energy is localised to your face. Using a hand-held device with an icy cold tip, a technician goes over the grid. You feel a zap enter the skin, mostly a 2-3 second buzzing. Around the jawline and upper neck, it feels a little hot. After three passes, the technician focuses on the jaw and cheekbones, where more tightening is beneficial. Afterwards, skin is slightly flushed and toned, but more noticeable results are visible 4-6 months later, when skin looks significantly firmer, especially along the jaw. To maintain results, our dermatologist recommended annual treatments. Cost: From $2500-$3000.

Get it here: Northern Sydney Dermatology & Laser, nsdermatology. com.au